Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard applauds Applecross Primary School’s creativity in encouraging students to re-use and recycle waste as part of its Science Week.

“I was very impressed by the sculptures made of recycled materials which were on show in the school hall today,” said Dr Woollard.

“The sculptures not only communicate the students’ artistic talent, but they show their understanding of the importance of re-using and recycling waste.

“I congratulate the principal and teachers of Applecross Primary School for taking the initiative to instil such an important behaviour in their students.”

Dr Woollard said recycling is integral in the effort to keep our environment healthy and beautiful it limits the amount of waste that clogs waterways and fills landfills. 

“Western Australia’s 700,000 domestic residences alone generate more than 490,000 metric tonnes of waste every year,” said Dr Woollard.

“We will run out of landfill space if none of these wastes are recycled and it will become a more costly affair as the State Government plans to increase the cost of dumping waste into landfills,” said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard said another reason Western Australians should be encouraged to recycle is because it is the worst performer when it comes to littering and recycling.

“Our State has the highest amount of litter per 1,000 square metres in the whole of Australia and this amount has been steadily increasing since 2005,” said Dr Woollard.

“Plastic litter objects contributed to the largest amount of volume of litter in WA and less than 15% of aluminium cans are being recycled, the lowest figure in Australia.

“Once again I congratulate Applecross Primary School and I wish them well in their bid to win the WA Science School of the Year 2009 with this novel initiatve.”